ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Air Quality Commission ropes in top technical institutions to set up a Decision Support System
The System will use Artificial Intelligence to help improve the air quality over targeted sectors of Delhi /NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management  in NCR and adjoining areashas begun the process of setting up a Decision Support System  having a web, GIS and multi-model based operational and planning decision support tool.
This tool will help immensely in capturing the static and dynamic features of the emissions from various sources. It will have an integrated framework to handle both primary and secondary pollutants using chemical transport model. The system will also be able to handle the source specific interventions with the framework to estimate benefits of interventions and will focus on presenting the best results in a comprehensive user friendly and simple format for different users.
The Commission has entrusted the task to expert groups from reputed knowledge institutions of the country given belowfor framework development of Air Quality Management DSS for Delhi:-
The Air Quality Management Decision Support Tool  integrates an emissions inventory development application and database; regional, local and source–receptor modelling; and Geographical Information System  based visualization tools in a software framework so as to build a robust system to formulate and implement source specific interventions to improve the air quality over targeted sectors of Delhi / NCR.Identification ofsource specific interventions by the DST is deliberated with the involvement of stake holders.
The sources covered will include industries, transport, power plants, residential, DG sets, road dust, agricultural burning, refuse burning, construction dust, ammonia, volatile organic compounds, landfill etc. For instance, municipalities, industrial associations, industrial development authorities etc. would be the stake holders for identifying interventions related to waste burning, industrial source pollution, respectively.
Upon identification of feasible interventions, the artificial intelligence based expert system which has a hierarchical data base of simulated scenarios, potentially assessing the impact of the identified feasible intervention which would be implemented by the regulatory organization such as CPCB and state PCBs. The on-field implementation is monitored by credible citizen watch groups and professional NGOs independently. Finally, air quality data collected in the vicinity of the area where intervention is implemented will be analysed to understand the real-world benefits of such intervention.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Training Program on “Diversification of Coastal Agroecosystems for Climate
Resilience and Livelihood Security” by ICAR, Goa
Goa | November 9, 2022
ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, Goa in collaboration with Center for International Forestry Research  and World Agroforestry  organized International Training Program on “Diversification of Coastal Agroecosystems for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Security” during 07 to 11 November 2022. Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General , ICAR, New Delhi was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function.
In his address, Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari appreciated the efforts of CIFOR-ICRAF and ICAR-CCARI in organizing the training programme. He briefed about the importance of diversification, climate resilience and livelihood in coastal regions as different components of the training programme. He further highlighted the importance of coastal agricultural information system  which will act as a knowledge platform and a way forward to sustainable coastal agriculture benefiting farmers, scientists and policy makers. He also emphasized that agro-ecotourism has opened up a new avenue to increase farm income in the rural areas besides motivating and attracting youth in agriculture.
Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR- CCARI in his welcome address, briefed about the coastal agroecosystem and gave the gist about the achievements of ICAR-CCARI. Dr Javed Rizvi, Director, CIFOR-ICRAF, Asia, Dr Chandrashekhar Biradar, Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF, India Dr Shiv Kumar Dhyani, Country Coordinator, CIFOR-ICRAF and Dr A. Arunachalam, Director, ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh were the Guest of Honours.
Dr Javed Rizvi in his remark highlighted the importance of the training programme and urged to identify opportunities for mutual collaboration among participating countries. Dr Shiv Kumar Dhyani in his remarks briefed the house about CIFOR-ICRAF and its collaboration with ICAR. He has also mentioned that India is the first country to have national agroforestry policy. Dr A. Arunachalam in his address highlighted the importance of coastal ecosystems and coastal products. Dr Chandrashekhar Biradar stressed that climate change is a fact and rising sea level, and land degradation especially in coastal regions which is adversely impacting agriculture.
On this occasion, Coastal Agricultural Information System  developed by ICAR-CCARI was also launched by DDG . Dr Sujeet Desai, Scientist of ICAR-CCARI has briefed the house about the different components of CAIS. The inaugural function was attended by 8 foreign and 6 national participants from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and Vietnam.
PIB Headquarters
EPFO to observe Vigilance Awareness Week
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation  Kochi regional office will observe Vigilance Awareness Week from October 28 to November 2, 2019. This year the theme of the awareness week is “Integrity-A way of Life”. The Vigilance Awareness Week will commence with integrity pledge by office staff on October 28 at 11.00 am. As a part of this, a customer grievance redressal camp will be organised at the office on October 30 at 11 .00 am. During Vigilance Awareness Week, a drop box for complaints would be kept in the reception of the centre. Employers, employees, pensioners and union representatives can avail this facility.
SKY
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Election Commission
ECI further defers Rajya Sabha poll in view of COVID-19;
Fresh date to be announced later
In view of the current unforeseen situation of public health emergency, Election Commission of India invoking its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India read with section 153 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 has further extended the period of Rajya Sabha election beyond the prescribed term of 18 seats across seven States.
It may be recalled that on 25.02.2020 and vide notification dated 6th March 2020, Election Commission of India had announced Elections to the Council of States to fill up 55 seats, from 17 States, of Members retiring in the month of April 2020. After the last date of withdrawal on 18.03.2020, respective Returning Officers declared 37 seats from 10 States filled as uncontested. Thereafter as per the reports received from the concerned Returning Officers, the biennial elections for 18 seats from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Rajasthan were to be conducted on 26.03.2020 and election process was to be completed by 30th March 2020.
The validity of the term of the 18 remaining seats is as follows:
- 09.04.2020
- Andhra Pradesh – 04
- Jharkhand – 02
- Madhya Pradesh – 03
- Manipur – 01
- Rajasthan – 03
- Gujarat – 04
17
- 12.04.2020
- Meghalaya - 01
Total - 18;
Election Commission of India vide notification dated 24.03.2020, in view of unforeseen public health emergency emerging from COVID-19 and invoking section 153 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 had extended the period of completion of election including postponing the date of poll and counting concerning elections to the Council of States, since the electoral process necessarily involves movement and gathering of polling officials, agents of political parties, support officials and members of respective Legislative Assemblies on the poll day, which may put public safety at risk and create public health hazard.
Commission has now further reviewed the prevailing situation after taking all facts and circumstances in view and concluded that continuing electoral process in the current environment may not be feasible in view of the restrictions for the maintenance of public safety and avoiding health hazard.
The list of contesting candidates, already published for the said elections by the respective Returning Officers shall remain valid for the purposes of remaining activities, as prescribed under the said notifications. Fresh date of poll and counting for the said biennial elections shall be intimated in due course after reviewing the prevailing situation.
Ministry of Power
Shri M. Taj Mukarrum assumes charge as Director  of POWERGRID
Kolkata, 10 July, 2020
Shri M. Taj Mukarrum has assumed the charge of Director  of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited  on July 4, 2020. Prior to taking up this assignment, he was working as Executive Director , POWERGRID.
Shri M. Taj Mukarrum has about thirty five years of experience in Power Sector which includes Long term Financial Planning, Financial Concurrence, CAPEX & O&M payments, vetting of De- tailed Project Reports /Revised Cost Estimates , Coordination for Project Financial Viability Appraisal by external professional Agencies for Consultancy Business Vertical including Smart Grid and Energy Efficiency such as Electric Vehicle Charging , Energy Audits, setting up Smart Grid Cities Infrastructure, Railway Electrification Projects. He has worked in many capacities at different sites and head-quarters of Western, Southern & Northern Regions of POWERGRID and has also been functioning as part-time Director in: Four 100% POWERGRID owned TBCB companies: Parli TL, Warora TL, Varanasi TL, Jawaharpur Firozabad Transmission Limited and Two JVs: RINL POWERGRID TLT Private Limited & Power Transmission Company Nepal Limited.
After completing B.Com and M.B.A. , he started his career as an Executive Trainee  in October 1984 in NTPC limited and moved to POWERGRID in August 1991.
MSA
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NITI Aayog
Nisha Jain Grover of Jaipur and Sumita Ghose of Bikaner win NITI Aayog’s Fifth Edition of Women Transforming India Awards
75 Women honoured in the 75th year of India’s Independence
Nisha Jain Grover of Jaipur from Vatsalya Legacy Educational Society and Sumita Ghose of Bikaner from Rangsutra Crafts India are among the 75 women honoured as Women Transforming India by the NITI Aayog.
Women have consistently been playing a key role in transforming India into a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’. In recognition of the remarkable achievements of these women across diverse sectors NITI Aayog has instituted Women Transforming India Awards.
This year, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, the WTI Awards were conferred on 75 women achievers. Click here to know more about the other awardees.
- Nisha Jain Grover, Jaipur, Vatsalya Legacy Educational Society
Vatsalya Legacy was born out of a commitment of the Founder Director Nisha Jain Grover to offer individual Educational Program for students. It is the only organization in India which offers all three pillars of counselling, training, and remedial education under one roof. Vatsalya aims for an inclusive and literate India and works towards creating an atmosphere free from discrimination, for all children.
Nisha prioritises the most sensitive children, including their rights, child safety issues and inclusive education. The team at Vatsalya truly believes that inclusiveness and equality are the only two ways for a better India.
- Sumita Ghose, Bikaner, Rangsutra Crafts India
Sumita Ghose is the Founder and MD of Rangsutra, a community owned social enterprise with over 2000+ artisans as shareholders. The goal is to ensure sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans, 80% of whom are women. Their artisans are also co-owners, co-creators, managers and board members. They believe that traditional handicrafts and textiles can be a source of regular livelihood and value creation for rural artisans.
Rangsutra is a bridge between artisans and customers, between rural and urban and between change and continuity.
DS/LP/TS
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Special Service and Features
E-Auction of BSNL Land and Building Assets
BSNL Tamil Nadu Circle has initiated an e-Tender for the e-Auction of five numbers of land parcels for which a newspaper advertisement will be published very soon. The following surplus land and buildings in Tamilnadu and Puducherry are proposed to be sold through e-Auction.
- Dinrose Telephone Exchange at Anna Salai, Chennai 
- Telephone Exchange and SQ Compound at, Udumalaipettai 
- Microwave Building compound, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore 
- DTO Compound, Villupuram 
- Co Axial compound, ,Puducherry 
Interested bidders can visit the website of MSTC https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/propertysale/index.jsp &
The RFP and other documents can also be seen on the website of BSNL at https://www.bsnl.co.in/opencms/bsnl/BSNL/virtual_dataroom last date of submission of online bids is up to 15:00 hrs on 17.08.2023
The above properties are located in the prime locality and are lying on main roads..Further, this would be the biggest opportunity for the prospective bidders to purchase prime properties free from encumbrances and hidden costs.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal tells Foreign Mission that India is open to mutually benefitting collaborations with interested countries as far as the reciprocity in the deal is maintained;
Tough and appropriate role played by the PM of India is the best stimulus against the Covidcrisis and it has been appreciated in the country as well as all around the world
If any assistance in the form of medicine is required by any country from India, we will try to fulfill it.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal has said that India is open to mutually benefitting collaborations with interested countries as far as the reciprocity in the deal is maintained. Interacting with foreign missions in New Delhi, through Video Conference, he welcomed the interested countries who are planning to do business with India. The Minister said that India gives the most importance to ‘the fair dealing and the reciprocity’ while signing any multilateral agreements. This was the reason because of which India didn’t participate in Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership. He advised that this is the best time to connect digitally for the planning of a road map for bilateral  agreements.
The Minister appealed to other countries for the collaborative efforts against the outspread of Coronavirus pandemic. He said that India is ensuring the safety and well-being of the foreign nationals currently in India. He thanked them for participating in 9-minute light off, as asked by the PM on April 5.
Shri Goyal said that the recent surveys and studies have proved that ‘the tough and appropriate role played by the PM of India during the crisis’ is the best stimulus against the crisis and it has been appreciated in the country as well as all around the world. Mentioning about many world leaders including President Trump congratulating India for exporting medicines, Shri Goyal said that Indian Pharmaceuticals Industry is playing important role in producing and delivering medicines not only to India but also for the rest of the world. Expressing confidence that India will play a leadership role in the Post- COVID world, he said that India is ensuring that no country will remain deprived of the essential medicines, especially underdeveloped countries. He assured them that if any assistance in the form of medicine is required from India, we will try to fulfill it. But in the long term, we have to make a quick roadmap for the sustainable trade of the pharmacy sector. According to PM, as a global citizen, it is our responsibility to serve the one in need.
The Minister said that the role of PradhanMantriAyushman Bharat Scheme is going to be crucial during the pandemic. He underlined the effectiveness of the immediate nationwide lockdown with a special reference to the high reduction in the rate of doubling the cases. Shri Goyal said that during this crisis, Government is forming long term strategies for the revival of the country’s economy out of the crisis. He said that this is a time to identify the true partner for our own countries to find collaborations in the future.
YB
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Prime Minister's Office
PM’s message on World Press Freedom Day
Following is the text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message on World Press Freedom Day :
“World Press Freedom Day is a day to reiterate our unwavering support towards a free and vibrant press, which is vital in a democracy.
In today's day and age, social media has emerged as an active medium of engagement and has added more vigour to press freedom.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Work for foot over bridge at Amb Andaura Railway Station to begin soon
Railways orders construction after request from Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur
Union Minister for Railways has ordered construction of a foot over bridge Amb Andaura Railway Station. The foot over bridge will connect the station to Jama Masjid and will ease the access of the Masjid from the railway station. The tender for the construction has been opened and the ground work is expected to begin soon.
The order has come after a request for the over bridge was made by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur to Union Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw on 1st June 2022.
Ministry of Defence
INSV TARINI TO RETURN TO INDIAN SHORES AFTER 17000NM VOYAGE
The Indian Navy is all set to receive its six-member crew of INSV Tarini, including two women officers, at the ‘Flag in’ ceremony on 23 May 23 at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre , INS Mandovi, Goa.
INSV Tarini is returning home after successfully completing a 17000-nm long trans-ocean inter-continental voyage in seven months.
The flag in event will showcase the exemplary valour, courage and perseverance of the crew, especially the two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, who participated in the entire expedition. The other participants include the onward leg crew from Goa to Rio-de-Janerio comprising Capt Atool Sinha, Lt Cdr Ashutosh Sharma and Lt Aviral Keshav, and the return leg crew comprising Cdr Nikhil Hegde, Cdr MA Zulfikar, Cdr Divya Purohit and Cdr AC Doke.
Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa undertook the voyage from Goa to Rio de Janerio via Cape Town and back, spanning over 188 days of sailing on the vessel. This is a true display of Nari Shakti, a clarion call from the government of India to empower women. To applaud the determination and courage of the vessel and crew, this special occasion will be graced by the Guest of Honour Smt Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, has kindly consented to be Chief Guest for the event. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff and Ms. Rani Rampal, ex-Captain of the Indian Women Hockey Team, will also be present on the occasion.
The Indian Navy has embarked on a mission to circumnavigate the globe to promote ocean sailing in a big way. Captain Dilip Donde was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. Subsequently, Cdr Abhilash Tomy was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations. Recently during Golden Globe Race 2022, GGR, an east bound non-stop circumnavigation race starting and finishing in Les Sables d’ Olonne France and which bars participants from using modern cutting-edge navigational equipment, Cdr Abhilash Tomy  accomplished the rare feat of getting a podium finish completing the gruelling course in second position.
The Navika Sagar Parikrama by six women naval officers increased the popularity of ocean sailing within the navy and the country further.
The current sailing expedition of INSV Tarini is part of the run up towards the Navy’s next big project to send a woman to circumnavigate the globe - Solo.
The officers that participated in this expedition were shortlisted from volunteers after rigorous selection at the Ocean Sailing Node  which was established on 24 Aug 16 with the aim of promoting and undertaking ocean sailing activities and is located at INS Mandovi.
This expedition was conducted under the aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association  based at New Delhi.
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VM/PS 67/23
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Ministry of Defence
Flood relief operations by the three Services in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Goa
Key highlights:
- Task Forces of Indian Army conduct rescue &relief operationsin three worst-hit districts of Maharashtra
- Indian Navy teams evacuate over 200 people in Karnataka
- Around 400 NDRF personnel airlifted to affected areas by Indian Air Force
- More rescue teams &aircraft on standby
The three Services have joined hands with the civil administration and National as well as the State Disaster Management Authorities in relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Working in close coordination with the administrations of worst-hit Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Sanglidistricts of Maharashtra, the Indian Army has deployed Task Forces, comprising Infantry, Engineers, Communication, Recovery and Medical teams in the affected areas.The teams conducted rescue and relief operations and saved precious lives in Chiplun, Shirol, Hatkangle, Palus and Miraj areas.
In Karnataka, the Indian Navy mobilised seven well-equipped flood relief teamsalong with Naval divers, rubber ‘Gemini’ boats, life jackets and medical equipment for flood relief operations. The teams evacuated 165 people from Singudda and Bhaire villages near Kadra Dam, while 70 people were evacuated from low lying areas of Kaiga.
Naval Seaking, Advanced Light Helicopters&Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters conducted multiple sorties and rescued people marooned due to sudden and sharp rise in the water levels. They also conducted aerial survey of the affected areas to enable senior officials to assess the situation and plan rescue and relief operations.
Around 400 personnel of National Disaster Response Force  were airlifted by Indian Air Force aircraft from Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata and Vadodara to Pune, Kolhapur&Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and Goa along with 40 tons of rescue equipment.
The teams of the three Services are working round the clock to rescue the locals affected by floods, besides providing them with food, water, medical. More rescue teams and aircraft are on standby for deployment.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President attends Dussehra celebrations at Lal Qila Maidan
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and Dr Sudesh Dhankhar participated in Dussehra celebrations organised by Shri Dharmic Leela Committee at Lal Qila Maidan in New Delhi today.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dhankhar said that this was his first public program in Delhi after taking over as the Vice President of India and he felt overwhelmed by the love and affection shown by everybody.
He further said that, true to the meaning of Ram Rajya, demonic and destructive forces are losing today and goodness is prevailing over them.
The Vice President was presented a mace  by the Ramlila organisers and he also released white pigeons- symbol of peace. Thereafter, he held a bow and symbolically shot an arrow marking the Ravan Dahan  on the occasion.
Shri Dhankhar congratulated Shri Dharmic Leela Committee on completing 100 glorious years and wished them all the best for their future endeavors. During the event, he also released the Ramalila Souvenir published by the committee.
Shri Ram Nath Kovind, former President, Shri VK Saxena, Lt Governor of Delhi, Dr Harshvardhan, Member of Parliament and other dignitaries were present.